In 1921, the National Education Association National Assembly in Des Moines, Iowa, called for designation of one week each year to spotlight education.

In its resolution, NEA called for: "An educational week... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs," according to the NEA Web site.

The week was first observed Dec. 4-10, 1921, sponsored by NEA and the American Legion. A year later, the U.S. Office of Education joined as an additional cosponsor. The National PTA followed in 1938.

Chances are, if you are reading this column and comprehending its message, you are the product of an American education.

Your experiences may have been less than perfect, but somewhere down the line, you picked up the necessary tools to function in a modern society. At least one teacher must have had a positive impact at some time in your life.

As a teacher myself, I don't often hear positive comments from my students during their high school academic careers. But, I do sometimes hear from them a few years later. They tell me they are planning to become teachers, often adding, "Can you believe it?"

To be honest, sometimes the news comes as quite a shock. I feel privileged when a student tells me he or she plans to enter my profession, however. Most people will never realize how good it feels to have a former pupil make an effort to thank a teacher.

Perhaps your former teacher is no longer around, however. Are there other ways to support those who toil in the trenches of public education day in and day out?

I'm so glad you asked. Here are some suggestions.

Parents: get behind and trust your children's teachers, but also ask questions. You have a right to know what is going on in classrooms.

In addition, you could provide angles we haven't thought of, especially in a town like Hillsboro, where one teacher makes all the decisions for each level of high school English, for example.

I believe I speak for most instructors when I say we encourage helpful suggestions from parents. But, like the waiter who shows up too often, there is sometimes a fine line between being helpful and getting in the way.

When it comes to curriculum, it seems to me the best approach is to let teachers do what they do best-teach.

Instruct your children on how important respect is-not just for teachers and paraprofessionals, but also custodians, bus drivers, coaches, administrators and even other students. Kids can't learn, and teachers can't teach when a few students disrupt the learning process in a classroom.

Respect starts at home, but our schools need to reinforce it.

Don't be a helicopter mom or dad, always hovering over your student. Allow him or her to make the occasional mistake, and help the child learn to deal with forgetting a lunch or gym clothes.

When we allow young people to solve their own problems, we teach them to be self-sufficient and independent. What doesn't kill them-and most such situations are not that serious-will certainly make them stronger.

Politics and education often mix, unfortunately. Here, too, parents can have an impact. During elections, vote for leaders who are in touch with what is actually happening in the classrooms of Kansas, not what is politically correct at the moment.

Vote for men and women who support education, not necessarily the ones who will throw cash at the problem, but choose those candidates who will keep our kids at the front of the state agenda.

Get involved. Ask questions. Read the newspapers. Be an informed voter.

Finally, you can improve education in our community by simply caring about our youth enough to support them. Again, get involved. Attend sports activities, plays and academic events.

Believe me, students know you are there, and they appreciate your support.

An American education is still one of the best there is. Yes, we have our challenges, but I believe there is nowhere else on this planet that can boast a better educational system.

So, do your part to show your appreciation this week by thanking your friendly neighborhood educator.

Hugs are optional.